The name Plecoptera, derived from the Greek "pleco" meaning folded and "ptera" meaning wing, refers to the pleated hind wings which fold under the front wings when the insect is at rest.

Classification & Distribution

Hemimetabola

incomplete development (egg, nymph, adult)

Orthopteroid

closely related to Orthoptera and Embioptera

Distribution: Common in and around fast-moving streams in temperate and boreal climates.

North America

Worldwide

Number of Families

10

15

Number of Species

465

>2000

Life History & Ecology

Stoneflies are generally regarded as the earliest group of Neoptera. They probably represent an evolutionary "dead end" that diverged well over 300 million years ago. Immature stoneflies are aquatic nymphs (naiads). They usually live beneath stones in fast-moving, well-aerated water. Oxygen diffuses through the exoskeleton or into tracheal gills located on the thorax, behind the head, or around the anus. Most species feed on algae and other submerged vegetation, but two families (Perlidae and Chloroperlidae) are predators of mayfly nymphs (Ephemeroptera) and other small aquatic insects. Adult stoneflies are generally found on the banks of streams and rivers from which they have emerged. They are not active fliers and usually remain near the ground where they feed on algae or lichens. In many species, the adults are short-lived and do not have functional mouthparts. Stoneflies are most abundant in cool, temperate climates.

Physical Features

Immatures

Antennae long, filiform

Body flattened, legs widely separated

Tracheal gills present as "tufts" behind the head, at base of legs, or around the anus

Each segment of thorax is covered by a large dorsal sclerite

Cerci long, multi-segmented

Adults

Antennae long, filiform

Front wings long and narrow; M-Cu crossveins form distinctive boxes near center of front wing

Economic Importance

Stoneflies require clean, well-oxygenated water to survive.&nbsp They are extremely sensitive to water pollution and are used by ecologists as indicators of water purity.&nbsp Stoneflies are also an important source of food for game fish (e.g., trout and bass) in cold mountain streams.

Major Families

Perlidae (Common Stoneflies) -- largest family in the order

Taeniopterygidae (Winter Stoneflies) -- adults emerge January to April; often seen on snow banks

Nemouridae (Spring Stoneflies) -- adults emerge April to June

Bug Bytes

In some species, a male attracts a female by drumming his abdomen against the substrate.

Stonefly eggs are coated with a sticky slime that adheres to rocks and keeps the eggs from washing away in fast moving water.

Adults of some Australian stoneflies consume rotten wood as part of their diet.&nbsp The wood apparently contains a nutrient that is essential in egg production.

A secondarily wingless species (family Capniidae) passes its entire life cycle in the depths of Lake Tahoe, U.S.A.